ZyXEL has launched ZyXEL AP Configurator (ZAC) that enables resellers to complete AP configuration process as well as future maintenance of standalone AP to minimize time, cost and effort. And this is all coming absolutely free of cost!!
The application is set up centrally and robust to configure 15 standalone APs. Resellers can scan APs on the networks first, edit AP profiles and then apply the files to selected APs through the ZAC utility. ZAC offers handy functions to control APs from a central computer, and it significantly decreases labour cost when deploying new or extending current Wi-Fi networks. There is no requirement of controller.
“Through the ZAC utility, network resellers can check and set-up AP profiles including SSID, security, RADIUS, MAC filter and L2 isolation, then save them on computer as well. The saved profiles can be imported to the newly added APs during the Wi-Fi network expansion process to save time resetting them,” says Gurnek Singh Thiara, senior technical officer.
With the ZAC utility, there’s no need to repeat the entire settings process for each single AP. Resellers can setup or change profiles for one or a model group first, and then apply the configuration to selected APs with just a click.
The ZyXEL Wireless Optimizer (ZWO) has also been launched to simplify planning, deployment and management of business Wi-Fi. The three major functions of the ZWO are AP planning, coverage detection and wireless health management. ZWO builds coverage maps by utilizing RF signals and information gathered from deployed APs and the NXC2500 WLAN controller requiring neither costly on-site survey tools nor additional sensors or location servers.
During a wireless network deployment project, by the way of the ZyXEL Wireless Optimizer, a network architect can know “how many access points he actually needs?” ZWO also provides some advanced “user-scenario” options, such as high-density areas or different environments such as office or hotel; with which the planner just needs to tick the expected conditions and the ZWO will calculated the coverage of selected APs.
ZWO has been designed to cut time-consuming and labour-intensive processes. “Once the NXC2500 WLAN controller and NWA access points are deployed at planned positions and turned on, network administrator can use the ZyXEL Wireless Optimizer to review the actual signal coverage map utilizing the RF signal details collected from the controller and access points. With the convenient tool, the administrator can move or add access points to eliminate any possible dead spots; or they can adjust the output power level to prevent possible signal interference on NXC controller,” explains Gurnek Singh Thiara. He also adds that the wireless network is well planned right from the start.
